The Rythu Bandhu Scheme is an initiative taken by the Telangana government to support farmers. As a country known for its agriculture industry, farmers are an integral part of the society. In this scheme, the government will distribute cheque payments to the farmers on the basis of their land holdings instead of DBT. This article will summarize all the necessary details related to the scheme including its history, the eligibility criteria for application, the application process, and the benefits this scheme will provide to its applicants.
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme operating under the Telangana government from 2018, is a program launched with the goal of supporting farmers and preventing the banks from using the funds to offset their previous dues. The scheme is monitored by the Agricultural Department of the state. The agricultural officers at the sub-district act as the nodal officers. Banking institutions participate in disbursing the benefits of the scheme at the village and sub-district level. It helps the farmers invest in their farms and break the vicious cycle of farmers falling into the debt trap.
In the financial year of 2018-19, the Telangana government under the rule of Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekhar Rao, initiated a unique fund disbursement method for farmers. The scheme was named as “Agricultural Investment Support Scheme” or the “Rythu Bandhu Scheme” which means “Friend of the Farmer.” The main objectives of the scheme were to provide farmers with cash funds on time for initial investments and prevent them from falling into the debt trap.
The budget of the scheme for the year 2018-19 was decided at Rs 120 million. The program was launched in the Kharif season to support the farmers with initial investments in items like seeds, fertilizers, and labour.
In order to be eligible for application in this scheme a candidate must pass the following eligibility criteria.
The farmers intending to apply for this scheme must be residents of Telangana.
The farmers who wish to receive the benefits of this scheme must have agricultural land.
The scheme is available for all kinds of farmers including the small, marginal, and those farmers who are cultivating forest lands, provided they are from ST and have ROFR documents.
Commercial farmers are excluded from the benefits of this scheme.
The farmers who are cultivating rental lands as tenants are also not entitled to the benefits of this scheme.
Rythu Bandhu Scheme Telangana Benefits
The eligible candidates who have applied for the scheme will receive several benefits under the program. Following is a concise list of the benefits receivable after application for this scheme.
Applicants will receive a sum of Rs 5,000/- per acre every farming season for initial investments in seeds, pesticides, labour, and other needs.
The number of acres for which the applicant may receive support is not limited.
The scheme aims at increasing the income of the farmers.
The scheme also aims to increase the agricultural productivity of the state.
It also aims at ending indebtedness in the rural areas.
The government will provide ₹10,000 per acre annually to all farmers in Telangana. This amount will be disbursed in two installments, with ₹5,000 allocated for each crop season (Rabi and Kharif). There is no limit on the number of acres, meaning that every farmer will receive ₹5,000 for each acre they own during each crop season.
List of crops covered under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme
Paddy
Soybean
Peas
Cotton
Pepper
Phosphorus
Corns
Sugarcane
Such other crops
Documents required for Rythu Bandhu Scheme
Aadhaar card
Land ownership papers
Pan card
Voter ID
Address proof
Bank account details
BPL certificate (if applicable)
Caste certificate
Application Process for Rythu Bandhu Scheme
The farmers who intend to apply for the scheme may follow the following for a successful application.
Step 1: Before starting to apply for the scheme the applicants must ensure that they pass all the eligibility criteria as specified by the government. Those who do not pass the qualifying criteria will not be eligible for the scheme.
Step 2: The application process of the scheme is carried out online. To apply for the scheme the applicant needs to visit the official website of the Rythu Bandhu Department of Agriculture.
Step 3: On the home page of the website, click the “Rythu Bandhu Scheme” link and download the form available on this page.
Step 4: Fill out the required credentials and make sure all the details match with the details on your documents.
Step 5: Attach the scanned documents required with the submission of the form that includes Identity Proof, Address Proof, and Land Ownership Proof.
Step 6: Submit the form online. The applicant after submission must ensure they received the confirmation of the submission.
Step 7: The authorities will then verify your documents.
Step 8: Once the verification is done and the application is approved, the cheques under the scheme will be disbursed by the authorities at the local Revenue Divisional Office.
This scheme holds a lot of significance and achievements in the field of agricultural development. Following are some of the key accomplishments of the program.
The scheme is now considered the blueprint for social and agricultural policies.
Indebtedness among the farmers of the state was high, and the scheme over four to five years will help the farmers to get completely rid of all their debts.
The farmers who used to depend on bank loans for initial investments do not have to be dependent and can start the cultivation on time.
The fund provided under this scheme has built a cushion for the farmers as they can grow more by purchasing quality seeds and fertilisers.
The farmers do not have to go for money lenders and the loans approved by the banks later act as additional help.
Scroll down the homepage and click on the option labeled ‘Cheque Distribution Venue Schedule.’
On the following page, choose your District and Mandal from the drop-down menu.
The details of the cheque distribution venue will be displayed on your screen.
Rythu Bandhu Scheme helpline number
Rythu Bandhu Scheme helpline number – 040 2338 3520
Conclusion
The Rythu Bandhu Scheme lived up to its name and proved to be the actual true friend of the farmers. The scheme saved them from the vicious cycle of indebtedness and helped them grow. The agricultural sector of the state saw a boom in production because of this scheme. The farmers who are eligible and have not yet applied for the scheme may do so online and enjoy the benefits of the scheme and not be dependent on the banks or moneylenders for investments.
